HC Deb 21 July 1909 vol 8 cc500-2
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked how many torpedo boat destroyers provided for in the Estimates for the years 1900–1 to 1906–7, inclusive, were not laid down; and whether any ships of other classes have been similarly dropped?

Mr. McKENNA

With regard to destroyers, the following are the numbers provided for in the programmes and built, respectively, for the years in question:—

NUMBERS
Year. Provided for. Built, Not laid down.
1900–1 Nil (5 supplementary programme). 5 Nil
1901–2 10 10 Nil
1902–9 9 9 Nil
1903–4 15 15 Nil
1904–5 14 1 (purchased) 13
1905–6 6 (and 12 coastal destroyers) 6 (and 12 coastal destroyers) Nil
1906–7 5 (and 12 1st class torpedo boats of coastal destroyer type) 2 (and 12 1st class torpedo boats of coastal destroyer type) 3

The destroyer programme this year was not carried out. As the year advanced the question of a new design was discussed at considerable length, and it was decided at the commencement of the following financial year to build six destroyers of a larger type, and 12 of the smaller type to be called "ocean" and "coastal" destroyers respectively. The latter were subsequently called first-class torpedo boats.

As regards ships of other classes: In the year 1903–4 the three third-class cruisers provided for were not laid down, but arrangements were completed for the purchase of the two battleships "Swift-sure" and "Triumph" from the Chilian Government.

In the years 1904–5 and 1905–6 respectively one of the four armoured cruisers provided for was not laid down.

In the year 1906–7 one of the four battleships provided for was not laid down.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Am I right in saying that 17 destroyers have not been laid down in the period indicated, and that five cruisers, armoured or otherwise, and one battleship, have not been laid down?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes; so far as I can judge from running my eyes hastily over the figures and adding them up I think that the hon. Member is right; but I would not pledge myself.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why there is this portentious dropping?

Mr. McKENNA

The major portion of the dropping occurred during the time of the last Government. I must request the hon. Gentleman to address himself to them.

Captain CRAIG

Is there not a usual continuity of programme outside of all party?

Mr. McKENNA

No. There is no such thing as continuity of programme.